Red Squirrels and near misses.

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It was unclear what the weather was going to be like today but as it looked bright when we got up we decided on a cycle to Buttermere. The first part of any route from home takes us along  a cycle track and at one point we frequently see Red Squirrels. Today's sighting was amazing as one of a pair just sat eating on the side of the track as we passed. This was not, however, our only squirrel encounter of the day. As we headed downhill towards Ullock I spotted another in the middle of the road which fortunately shot into the hedgerow as I approached. It didn't stay there for long as when Susan passed it was back in the road causing her to brake hard to avoid hitting it. I was unaware of this until she caught me up and was a little shaken by the near miss.
We carried on to Lorton and then Buttermere but had another near miss as we cycled along the side of Crummock Water. Susan was in the lead and I was keeping what I thought was a safe distance. On going round a slight left hand bend Susan came across a sheep and had to brake to avoid it. Unfortunately I hadn't seen the sheep and clattered into the back of Susan while braking hard. Luckily she managed to stay upright and I went into the fence which stopped me coming off. The only injuries were a tyre mark on Susan's left leg where I'd hit her and a grazed arm where I'd hit the fence. Shaken we carried on to the village where tea and cream scones were a must.
The ride home was thankfully uneventful but very enjoyable.

On the road along Crummock Water after our near miss.


'Make sure you keep well back now!!!!'


On the way home - hoping for no more near misses.


The road along Crummock Water.


Great cycling.


Lunch stop in Lorton.


Speeding home without incident. 


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